Travel FAQ's

Liuzhou belongs to the Northern edge of China's subtropical zone in north-central Guangxi Province, on the south-west side of Guilin.

How do I get to Liuzhou?

By plane: The closest airport is Liuzhou Bailian Airport which is 40 min cab ride to event location. For international flights, you can transfer from Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Xiamen to Liuzhou.

By Train: Liuzhou has extensive rail connections with the rest of China. You can reach Liuzhou Train station from Guilin with High Speed Rail in 1h, from Nanning with High Speed Rail or Bullet Train in 1.5h and from Guangzhou with the bullet train in 4.5h.

To visit China, athletes must have a valid passport (with a validity of at least six months before expiration), as well as a 30-day tourist visa.

All athletes are advised to get up-to-date information from their Chinese consulate or embassy before traveling, as the procedure changes slightly according to the country you are applying in. In most cases, a passport, 2 inch photo, flight tickets and/or hotel booking will suffice. For the destination address, athletes can put the hotel or the location of the venue. Athletes may also provide their registration confirmation letter from Active as invitation letter. Visa processing usually takes 5-10 working days, but we kindly suggest all the athletes to apply it earlier. If needed, write to [email protected] for additional support.

How long does it take to drive from the International Airport to Liuzhou event venue?

It will take about 45 minutes without traffic.

What do I do when I arrive in Liuzhou?

Athletes must first go to Athlete Check-in to get their race packet. Once checked in, they can follow event schedule time for bike check in and race day activities.

*Please visit event schedule page to learn more about times and locations.

Can I access Google, Facebook, Twitter and other social media websites while in China?

Sorry, you won't be able to access Google, Facebook, Twitter in China unless you have VPN.

Do I need travel insurance when traveling to China?

All athletes visiting China are strongly encouraged to purchase an international medical insurance policy before arrival in China. Such a policy should include coverage for participation in athletic events and coverage for the People’s Republic of China(PRC). Emergency medical treatment is not free for foreign visitors to China, Treatment at any medical facility in China requires payment at the time of care.

The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever.

Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is only required if you have visited a country in the yellow fever zone within the six days prior to entering China. If you are traveling to China directly from South America or Africa, please check with a travel clinic as to whether you need a yellow fever vaccination.

Will the airlines transport my bike? If so, what is the standard fee?

Yes, airlines will transport your bike but it will be considered oversized luggage. The bike must be disassembled in a box or special bike bag. *Most airlines will apply an extra fee.

Yes. According to airlines policy, bikes must be packed well for shipping.

If you purchase a travel package, this will give you access to the airport pick-up service, which will transfer you and your bike from the arrival airport to your hotel.

Do I need bring my CO2 cartridges for my bike?

NO, you should not bring CO2 cartridges to China as they will be confiscated at airport. CO2 cartridges will be available for purchase at the official merchandise store or bike tech area in IRONMAN Village.

Which currency is used in China?

Chinese Yuan also known as RMB. We suggest to change your currency at a Bank of China or an ICBC.

Will my credit card work in China?

International credit cards are NOT accepted in the majority of restaurants, shops and supermarkets. Once you arrive in China, it is strongly suggested to withdraw cash from ATM of Chinese National Banks such as BANK OF CHINA, ICBC, CHINA COMMUNICATION BACK, CHINA CONSTRUCTION BANK. You can also exchange currency at International Airports. Please be aware that in Liuzhou Airport there is no currency exchange service.

How far is Liuzhou from Beijing?

Liuzhou is 1749 km (1087 miles) away from Beijing. It takes 2.5 hours by flight or 7 hours by high speed train.